Mountain climbing

I’m sure most of you have heard this phrase before.. Lately, I’ve been hearing it more often than usual.

Every now and then we come upon a mountain or notice one instantly pop up before us-obviously metaphorically but, they truly do feel like mountains- and we must figure out how to climb or move them.

I mentioned before about the condition my mother found out she was in. But, in case you’re just joining me… Breast cancer was the condition. Since I last wrote about it she has undergone surgery to remove the tumor and is now in preparation to start chemo treatments.

Questions rise up within people who happen to be around us in this season like, “How long does she have to do chemo?” “Is she going to lose her hair?” Or “How is she doing with all of this?” For the most part, my mother has taken it piece by piece and not worrying about the next stage until she gets there.. So have I.

Now, the next mountain is here and it didn’t really strike me til Saturday. Like an epiphany, it wiped out the fact that this isn’t just regular shots she has to take, or pain pills.. This stuff is meant to kill cancer cells.

Whilst in this epiphany I had two choices: I could stay in the discouraged and frightened state or I could choose to figure out what I need to get myself over this mountain.

Sunday came along and this verse found me, “The pain you’ve been feeling can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.” (Romans 8:18 paraphrased)

Pain can’t compare to joy.

I began to feel a certain stirring within me as if I was being clothed in mountain climbing gear on the inside.

The promise that we would make it to not only the top of this mountain but over it, became the motivation I needed to even pursue it. When you know and fully believe in the joy that’s set before you and who set it for you, will allow mobility in tough seasons.

The perfect song “I will climb” by Will Reagan and United Pursuit has been on repeat in the boom box of my mind the past three days:

“I know that I can trust you…. I lean not on my own understanding, my life is in the hands of the maker of Heaven… I will climb this mountain with my hands wide open,I will climb this mountain with my hands wide open…there’s nothing I hold onto to..”

Hands wide open, fully embracing the process, finding the joy in it, letting every negative thing go and journeying on. Confident in the outcome, confident in the strength that has been placed within us, strapped with overflowing joy, and knowing Papa is doing something with this chapter of our story.

Right now, you may have a mountain to climb, and standing at the bottom of it can seem intimidating. Look beyond it for a moment.. Imagine it conquered, removed, whichever but focus in on the joy that’s coming.

You can very well do this.

YouCANvery welldo this.

Whether it’s grabbing hold of that mustard seed sized faith and moving the entire mountain, or being called to climb you are capable.

It is possible to scrape a knee, to sweat, to need a break to catch your breath, but it’s even more possible to soar to the top after your first step. Peace, joy, faith, and hope will give you wings.. it ain’t red bull. 👎

So open your eyes, let all the extra weight go, put a smile on, and start climbing you overcomer. Remember to take in the view from the top!

Papa, I am well aware that you never leave, nor will you plan to in the hardest times. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. For believing in us, for cheering us on. Thank you for your unfailing love and joy. For peace of mind, and power. Mountains will not steal our trust in you nor will our joy be tormented. I fully believe you will turn this all around for the good because we love you. May we have joy, peace, faith, and hope from the beginning to the end. Thank you for what you’re doing, and what you’re going to do. 😊 in Jesus name, amen.